The Colorado Avalanche head to Las Vegas in a desperate situation Sunday night after dropping the first two games of the Western Conference Final at home. Now trailing 2-0 in the series, the Presidents’ Trophy winners suddenly find themselves fighting to avoid a near-insurmountable hole against a Vegas team that looks tougher, deeper, and far more composed in critical moments.
Game 2 perfectly summarized the frustration for Colorado. The Avalanche carried a 1-0 lead into the third period but completely lost control physically and mentally as Vegas stormed back with three unanswered goals. Now the biggest question surrounding Game 3 is whether star defenseman Cale Makar will finally return to the lineup.
Even if he does, the pressure is firmly on Colorado to prove it can match Vegas’ physicality and intensity after getting bullied late in Game 2.
Avalanche vs. Golden Knights DATE, TIME & HOW TO WATCH | |
|---|---|
| Where | T-Mobile Arena – Las Vegas, Nevada |
| When | Sunday, May 24, 2026, 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Betting Odds & Public Betting
The Avalanche enter Game 3 as -148 favorites despite trailing 2-0 in the series, while the Golden Knights return home at +124. The total is set at 5.5 goals.
Oddsmakers are clearly still pricing Colorado based on overall talent and urgency, but Vegas has controlled the emotional and physical tone of this series so far. The Golden Knights have consistently won battles along the boards, generated pressure late in games, and capitalized on Colorado mistakes.
The Avalanche desperately miss Cale Makar’s presence on both ends of the ice. Colorado’s power play looked completely disconnected in Game 2, failing to record a single shot on goal during two opportunities.
Meanwhile, Vegas continues getting contributions throughout the lineup. Ivan Barbashev delivered two massive third-period goals in Game 2, while the Golden Knights’ physical forecheck continues creating problems for Colorado’s defense.
Public bettors are likely to lean toward Colorado in a must-win spot, but Vegas has all the momentum entering Sunday night.
Avalanche vs. Golden Knights ODDS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Puck Line | Moneyline | Total | |
| Avalanche | -1.5 (+170) | -148 | U 5.5 (+114) |
| Golden Knights | +1.5 (+205) | +124 | O 5.5 (-135) |
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Key Notes & Storylines
Everything revolves around Makar’s status. Colorado’s transition offense and power play simply are not the same without their superstar defenseman controlling the pace from the blue line.
Even if Makar returns, there are still concerns about Colorado’s physical response after getting pushed around in Game 2. Jared Bednar openly challenged his team’s competitive level after the loss, specifically pointing toward puck battles and physical play as major differences in the game.
For Vegas, the experience factor continues showing up in big moments. The Golden Knights remain calm under pressure and understand exactly how to handle playoff momentum swings. Players like William Karlsson and Noah Hanifin have repeatedly emphasized that the series is far from over, especially after Vegas blew a 2-0 series lead against Dallas in last year’s playoffs.
The potential return of Mark Stone would provide another massive boost for Vegas, even if he isn’t fully healthy.
Avalanche vs. Golden Knights WHO IS THE PUBLIC BETTING? | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Avalanche | 35% | 65% | Golden Knights |
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Last Three Meetings
Vegas has now won the first two games of the Western Conference Final, including a dramatic 3-1 comeback victory in Game 2 after trailing entering the third period. The Golden Knights have consistently forced Colorado into uncomfortable physical battles throughout the series.
Injury Reports
Colorado continues monitoring the status of Cale Makar, whose upper-body injury has kept him out of the last two games. His availability remains uncertain entering Game 3.
Vegas captain Mark Stone also remains day-to-day with a lower-body injury, though his participation in Saturday’s optional skate was an encouraging sign for the Golden Knights.
Betting Trends
Vegas has completely flipped the pressure onto Colorado by stealing the first two games on the road and continues playing with tremendous confidence.
The Avalanche remain one of the league’s most talented offensive teams, but their power play and puck movement have noticeably declined without Makar in the lineup.
Colorado also struggled badly in high-pressure moments during Game 2, particularly late in the game when Vegas increased its physical intensity.
Avalanche vs. Golden Knights Prediction
Colorado absolutely has the talent to respond in this series, but Game 3 feels like another difficult matchup situation for the Avalanche.
Vegas has dictated the style of play through two games, and the Golden Knights continue looking like the more complete playoff team right now. Their depth, physicality, and experience are creating major problems for Colorado, especially without a fully healthy Cale Makar anchoring the defense.
Even if Makar returns, expecting him to immediately solve every issue may be unrealistic given the circumstances.
The desperation factor favors Colorado, but Vegas’ confidence and home-ice energy should once again create a playoff atmosphere that heavily benefits the Golden Knights.
Expect another tight, physical battle, but Vegas continues finding ways to make the key plays late.
Final Score Prediction: Golden Knights 3, Avalanche 2